Understanding the need for paediatric DR-TB formulations in South Africa

In recent years, significant advancements have been made in the management of drug-resistant (DR) tuberculosis (TB), including the use of new and repurposed drugs. Research has primarily focused on adults as only a small number of children are diagnosed and treated for DR-TB annually, often making them the last group to benefit from these developments. This perspective aims to describe the availability of child-friendly formulations for treating DR-TB in South Africa. Developing and providing child-friendly formulations is essential to addressing the unique challenges of managing DR-TB in children, ensuring appropriate dosing, tolerability and adherence to treatment regimens. This is a crucial step to improving treatment outcomes and reducing the global burden of DR-TB. Keywords. paediatrics; drug resistance; tuberculosis; dosage forms; treatment.